WHAT YOUNG FOLK NEED
Introduction:
1. Much contrast between the real and the assumed needs of man.
2. Often man thinks he needs many things which he really does
not need; and more often he is in need of that of which he is
completely unaware.
3. Just as man has needs -- SO DOES OUR YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE NEEDS:
BUT-- How often Parents do not supply their needs; they
supply material heapings, then feel they have succeeded.
4. In view of this -- WHAT DO OUR YOUNG FOLD NEED???
I. LOVE -- Most juvenile delinquents are young folk who were not
truly and genuinely loved by loving parents.
1. Oh, most mothers would say, "Yes, I love my children," BUT.
2. Parents who encourage their children to develop unwholesome
character traits do not love their children.
3. Parents who encourage children in grievous sins do not love
them.
4. Loving parents may be quite unpopular with their children
at times; Children may think them "mean" but in their heart
they know that their parents truly love them.
5. What kind of love is it to allow the child to pick up a hot
coal, or to run in front of a car???
II. DISCIPLINE -- Though children often fight restraint and
discipline and sometimes challenge the authority of their
parents, psychiatrists tell us they want discipline.
1. The child knows full well there are times when they should
be severely disciplines; even realize that it is for their
own good.
2. But, even if they do not appreciate, nor understand the
purpose of discipline, it should still be done.
3. Eph. 6:4 -- nurture....chastening of the Lord....
4. Heb. 12:5, 6 -- Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth....
5. Discipline is not pleasant, but it is profitable.
6. Heb. 12:11 -- not joyous but grievous, yet afterward
peaceful....
III. GUIDANCE -- Young people NEED guidance (BADLY).
1. Do not disappoint your children when they ask your counsel.
2. Fortunate is the child who has parents who will talk to
them when they have a problem. As a parent, you are giving
the child immeasurable help when guiding them in right
principles.
3. If rightly taught, they will need less and less assistance.
4. But, there is a time when young fold need guidance whether
they realize it or not.
5. LOVING PARENTS WILL GIVE GUIDANCE AT SUCH TIMES.
IV. A GOOD SELF IMAGE --
1. How your child feels about himself/herself is going to have
a marked bearing of what he/she becomes.
2. If science professors convinces them they are little more
than glorified apes -- then they will act like apes.
3. BUT, man is not an ape.
4. He is created in the image of God -- Gen. 1:26.
5. Ps. 8:5 -- made a little lower than angels, crowned with
glory and honor.
V. GOALS OR PURPOSES --
1. If we as parents are wholly materialistic in our actions
and outlook, there is little prospect of our children
growing up with higher values than ours.
2. Worldly goals are not sufficient within themselves. These
cannot give true happiness. They cannot give meaning to
life.
3. WE MUST LIVE TO THE GLORY AND HONOR OF GOD.
4. We must help our young people to appreciate the wisdom of
this.
5. Ecc. 12:13 -- Solomon showed this wisdom. "whole duty of
man...fear God and keep His commandments.
6. This goal here on the earth will help us assist our
children to reach eternal bliss in the realm beyond.
VI. A GOOD EXAMPLE --
1. One chief reason that so many young people today are
experiencing as many problems as they are is in the fact
that in far too many instances they have not had a good
example set before them.
2. When they are encouraged to try that bottle of beer, that
glass of wine, a shot of whiskey, a joint of marijuana, or
some type of "dope," they may well remember that their
parents came home "stewed" from some party or bar.
3. How wonderful to have godly parents who set the proper
example by the life they live. Godly living and faithfully
worshipping their God before their offspring and before
the world.
4. 2 Tim. 1:5 -- grandmother Lois, mother Eunice--their faith.
VII. PRAISE AND ENCOURAGEMENT --
1. Young people can see through flattery a mile away.
2. But, when they accomplish something worthy of praise, they
appreciate its being noticed. When it is not noticed, they
are apt to say, "What's the use."
3. When good intentions have not worked out as planned, they
need encouragement. Do not we all????
4. Help them pick up the broken pieces of their failures and
give them a push in the right direction.
VIII. TO BE TRUSTED --
1. Do not be too quick to expect the worst of your young
folks. We should not allow ourselves to interpret
everything they do in the worst possible light.
2. Let them know that you expect honorable, upright behavior
of them and you intend to trust them until they give you
just good reason to do otherwise.
3. It hurts not to be trusted when you have done right.
4. It hurts when the wrong interpretation is placed on one's
decision.
5. Knowing that someone always expects the best of them will
help our young people to do the best they can.
IX. HAPPINESS --
1. Happiness is a legitimate pursuit.
2. But, it is not found where many seek it.
3. NOT FOUND IN: the unbridled pursuit of pleasure; the dope
needle; the liquor; the bottle, the dance hall; unlawful
sensual gratification; other vices.
4. Happiness is found in doing God's law -- Ps. 1:1,2.
5. We need to SHOW OUR YOUNG PEOPLE where true happiness is
found.
6. We need to instill in them the desire to PLEASE GOD.
7. Lead them to appreciate worshipping Jehovah.
8. Help them to look forward to the Lord's Day. When we
grumble and complain; belittle the brethren and the church,
what effect will it have upon the young?
9. Deut. 6:7 -- Parents have this responsibility toward child.
NOT: State, society, church, etc., but Parents.
Conclusion:
1. How sorely is the need for our young people to be brought up
with character and moral goodness.
2. In this world so rapidly being filled with filth and lewdness
to prepare them to hold their heads high as they serve God and
their fellow man.
3. If we as parents fail to fulfill the needs in the lives of
our children, we will have failed to fulfill our God given
responsibility.
4. The greatest thing you can give your children is...
YOUR OBEDIENCE TO GOD AND FAITHFUL LIVING!!!!
5. Bring (Lead) the heard of your child to the heart of the
Savior.
6. Are you a Christian???
7. It matters little what you say to them, they are watching
what you DO!!!
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